Digitizing the cultural heritage not only preserves cultural works for the future, but also opens up new possibilities. 3D visualizationand 3D interaction technology let people interact with digitized cultural works in a way they have never experienced before. Moreover showing the works is no longer bound to a place so more people can see and interact with the cultural heritage, and high transport costs and the risks of damage are reduced.

A specific case for the Digital Heritage Presenter (DHP)

The museum of Rouen, that was closed for more than 10 years, displayed a tattooed Maori head since 1875. Before the reopening of the museum in 2010 officials of the museum, who took stock during the closing period, decided that the head should be returned for a decent funeral.

Politics

The French government tried not to make a precedent of this return. The solution was created by qualifying the head as art instead of a body part. From then on preparations for the returning could start.

Buried but not gone Returning the head would mean that no one would ever see it again. To still let the people know about the tradition of the Maori and their tattoos, the head was scanned. After digitizing the cultural heritage PS-Tech was asked to make it possible to show the virtual head, using the Digital Heritage Presenter (DHP). This Digital Heritage Presenter is built around PS-Tech's 3D visualization and 3D interaction technology.

Satisfying all parties After uploading the data, visitors are still able to explore the beauty of the ancient Maori whilst at the same time the Maori traditions were respected. The official return was celebrated in the French Senate, attended by the chairman of the French parliament, the ambassador of New Zealand and representatives of the Maori (2011). PS-Tech was asked to brighten this event with the 3D presentation of the Maori.

PS-Tech was asked to brighten this event with the 3D presentation of the Maori.